Here is a very brief introduction of types of food you will find in Southern China. Many books have been written on the subject that you can find in any bookshop if you want to broaden your knowledge about Chinese food.
Cantonese Cuisine
The Chinese food most commonly known to Westerners is the Cantonese variety from the Southern Guandong province. It is also the primary food served in the local restaurants of Hong Kong and Guangzhou, although you can also find everything from the other Chinese regions.
Cantonese food is typically steamed, boiled, or stir-fried. It is a very healthy food because it uses a minimum of oil. The main ingredients of Cantonese food are seafood, pork, chicken, and vegetables. Dim Sum and Fried Rice are also characteristic.
There is no limit to what you may find in your bowl. As a Chinese proverb goes: “Cantonese eat every thing that flies except planes, every thing on the ground except cars, and every thing that is in the water except boats.” Of course this is a vast exaggeration but symbolizes how much the Southern Chinese love their food.
There are also several restaurants, coffee shops and canteens at the exhibition centers in Hong Kong and Guangzhou. They become very crowded during lunch hours but if you choose your time well they are an inexpensive way to satisfy your hunger. Food in the canteens is actually quite good. They serve Western style food along with Chinese in case you don’t want to eat the local food for lunch.
Western Cuisine
If you are in the mood for something from home, you will also find everything from western style steakhouses to fast food chains like McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, etc.